Course Access
Across New York State, Black, Latinx, Native American students, and students from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately excluded from advanced coursework, creating significant equity challenges. Access to courses like computer science, Calculus, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and college credit opportunities in high school gives students a competitive edge in college admissions and increases their likelihood of success in higher education and future careers.

Our Equity-Centered Approach
We work alongside our partners of the New York Equity Coalition to create an equity narrative in support of course access statewide through data analysis and student perspective. Our collective efforts helped enact New York State legislation in 2023 that will increase access to advanced coursework by directing school districts to inform families early about the benefits of enrolling in advanced classes, as well as how and when to enroll.
We continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that increase the number of Black, Latinx, Native American students and students from low-income backgrounds enrollment in advanced coursework. We support initiatives that will provide a better understanding of which students are participating in programs and the barriers to increased participation.
Latest Resource
Report: Within Our Reach. Who’s in? Who’s Out?
This report explores several reasons for inequitable access to advanced coursework and examines statewide enrollment figures for the 2021-22 school year, as well as whether students of color and students from low-income backgrounds attend schools with such courses.
Featured Reports and Resources Over the Years
Data Snapshot
Only
%
of Native Americans, 9% of Black, and 8% of Latinx students are enrolled in AP/IB math/science courses statewide
Only
%
of students from low-income backgrounds attend a school that offers AP/IB courses
More Resources
Students Can’t Wait: Equity Priorities for New Yorkers in 2023
During our briefing, we joined with our partners from the New York Equity Coalition and discussed what our most recent research shows about the state of education in NY, what investments Governor Hochul proposed to help children and families, and our policy recommendations for the 2023 legislative session.
State of the State 2023 Priorities
A critical moment: Governor Hochul’s State of the State presents ideas and opportunities to advance educational equity
The Education Trust–New York’s 2022 Equity Priorities
Check out our 2022 policy priorities, analysis of the New York State budget, and more.
Investing in Equity
Read our takeaways from Governor Hochul’s 2023 Executive Budget, which includes a number of critical investments that will help to support New York’s children and families beginning at birth through college and into the workforce.
EdTrust-New York identifies key education equity investments in Gov. Hochul’s 2023 Executive Budget proposal
An EdTrust-New York analysis of Governor Hochul’s 2023 Executive Budget identified a number of critical investments that will help to support New York’s children and families beginning at birth through college and into the workforce. “The Executive Budget recognizes...
EdTrust-New York and InsideSchools release new data tools designed to help parents learn more about New York City schools
NEW YORK – As New York City parents begin the middle and high school selection process, EdTrust-New York partnered with InsideSchools to release new data tools that will equip families with vital information to help guide their decisions. Updating the school profiles...